K2 kit recieved

[lstavenhagen]

Hi all,

Just thought I'd make a quick post. Got my K2 kit yesterday and started the parts inventory after I got home from work.
I spent 2 hours and still have the RF board packages to go through. And I've practically gone blind just doing that. Some of the parts were really difficult to identify like one of the tiny capacitors and the resistor packs. So I'm off to get a magnifying glass and a better lamp today.

Love the quality of the kit so far. The packing and quality of the circuit boards etc. just look extraordinary to me.

But wow are all those parts tiny. The toroids look like they're going to be just super fun to wind ;).

Finally, I'm really glad I bought some good tools. My soldering station with 1/32" tips, .02 solder, pliers and flush cutters and good anti-stat mat from Mouser. I'm going to need those once I start soldering stuff (hopefully by tomorrow night)....

Really looking forward to it now....

LS

[KC9QQ]

You may also want to purchase a lighted magnifier (the type with an adjustable boom which connects to your desk or has a weighted  base).  I purchased one at one of the big box office supply stores for about $29.  I found it to be a big help examining my soldering.  I also used it to make most of the solder connections.  It removed much of the stress from the tight solder connections.  Maybe I am just old enough that I needed the help.  

Go slow and enjoy the experience.  I spent about two weeks building the kit and was rewarded with a fully operational kit on the first try.

Have fun,

Fred, KC9QQ